Manchester Magic moved up to fourth in the Basketball England NBL Division One table with a pair of wins at weekend, extending their winning run to 10 games in all competitions.

Magic brushed aside Tees Valley Mohawks on Saturday, before an explosive triple-double performance from American star Ellis Cooper led them to victory over Hemel Storm on Cooper, who was playing through a knee injury, claimed 25 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and three steals in another show-stopping display, as Magic came from behind to defeat.

The visitors had led 36-34 at half-time following a poor second quarter from Magic, but Cooper helped to push the tempo on offence and Ryan Lohfink anchored an improved defensive effort to turn it around the second half.

Magic coach Paul Middleton commented: “In the second quarter, they shot well and we were horrendous defensively, but it probably gave us a kick up the backside.

“We held them to 26 points in the second half and if you do that, especially on your own floor, you should win the game.

“Ellis was huge for us tonight. When he’s in a bad way, if he’s got an injury or somebody’s hurting him from the opposition, I think he loves the challenge – it shows what his heart is like."

Magic’s 95-66 rout of Tees Valley Mohawks saw five players scoring in double figures, led by 19 points from Alvaro Alarcon-Lizaur. Lohfink had a perfect shooting night, scoring all nine of his field goal attempts on his way to 18 points, while Jack Minister chipped in with 14 points and seven assists.

The two victories mean Magic’s playoff fate is in their own hands. The team will be eager to win all three remaining league games and finish in the top four to secure home court advantage for the postseason.

Middleton added: “It’s tough, but we have no choice but to win out, because otherwise we get that away tie in the quarter finals. I don’t think there’s really any pressure because we’ve just got to do it.”

Magic’s next game is at home to Bradford Dragons on Saturday. They will wrap up the regular season the following weekend with a home double-header against the two title favourites, Essex Leopards and Team Northumbria.